When the Brooklyn Nets signed forward Andray Blatche following his release by the Washington Wizards, it was viewed as a low-risk gamble on a 26-year-old who has shown considerable ability. Early here in the preseason, the gamble is looking like it just might pay off.

Blatche followed two good initial outings with his best game of October last night against the Celtics, when he scored 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds, shooting 8-for-12 from the field. That pushes his preseason averages to 17.0 points and 7.3 rebounds.

“It just says that I’m working hard and it just shows that,” Blatche said. “I’m competing and getting better. It’s just effort … just going out there every night with a fight.”

Getting something out of Blatche would be a huge boost for the Nets, who, despite their very busy offseason, came out fairly thin in the frontcourt, with Brook Lopez as the starter at center and Kris Humphries at power forward. Reggie Evans, who can rebound but is very offensively challenged, is the main backup up front, but if Blatche can produce, the Nets will have an unexpected weapon off the bench.

Blatche averaged 16.8 points and 8.2 rebounds with the Wizards two seasons ago, but was dogged by issues concerning his work ethic and overall approach to the game. Washington had given him a five-year, $35 million contract in 2010, but used the amnesty clause to waive him this offseason. Brooklyn picked him up in September.

Blatche said he will not be getting too full of himself based on a few preseason games. He has struggled to deliver consistent effort in the past. “Definitely, consistency has always been one of my major downfalls, so I’m just trying to go out there and compete and give it my all every night,” he said.